Symptoms and Disorders Associated with Whiplash
Whiplash can sometimes be minor. And whiplash symptoms can even go away in a few days. On the other hand, sometimes, symptoms are more severe. Pain can become chronic. There can also be cognitive and emotional problems.
Whiplash is typically caused by an acceleration-deceleration accident. Symptoms can appear quickly or over hours. The complexity of whiplash symptoms can vary. Often referred to collectively as whiplash-associated disorders.
Common Whiplash Symptoms
Symptoms you can experience with whiplash include:
Neck pain. This type of neck pain is caused by a sprained ligament. Or, it can be a strained muscle. Furthermore, neck pain is often in one spot or more generalized. And it can range from mild to severe. In fact, neck pain may radiate to the shoulder and arm. Injuries to the spinal nerves and discs can also cause neck pain.
Stiffness. Neck stiffness can reduce your range of motion. Whiplash tightens muscles. It can also cause mechanical joint issues.
Headaches. Tightened neck muscles can irritate nerves. This can lead to headaches.
Neck instability. Neck instability occurs by stretching or tearing of soft tissues. Additionally, a small fracture can cause neck instability.
Shoulder pain. Strained and torn ligaments or muscles cause shoulder pain. The neck pain can also radiate to the upper back.
Radiating sensations. You may experience tingling, numbness, or weakness with radiating sensations. In fact, this happens when nerves are pinched or inflamed. These sensations are known as cervical radiculopathy. Radiating sensations radiate down the arm into the hand and fingers (also called sciatica.) In most cases, this is only felt on one side of the body.
In Conclusion
It is possible to experience more than one whiplash symptom. As a matter of fact, symptoms can also come and go. And, the severity can change, therefore, causing radiating pain. Sometimes, pain may even get worse over time too. It is a good idea to identify the cause, so you can reduce your pain.
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